Former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is set to lead his team, the Roadrunners, against Chad Ochocinco's team in the semifinals of the American Flag Football League's U.S. Open of Football at 7 p.m. Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, home of the Kennesaw State Owls.
“We are looking good,” Vick said Monday. “We need probably one more day of preparation to get together. We need a little bit more preparation time. A couple of more days of practice and we’ll be good for Saturday.”
Vick took to playing flag football after his daughter Jada became a sensation in South Florida, making the high school team as a sixth grader and quarterback.
She obviously inherited her Dad’s strong passing arm.
“I’m just retired and having fun,” Vick said. “I watched my daughter play flag football the last two years. That kind of inspired me. It gives her a chance to come to the games and watch me throw the ball around.
“I try to do it like she does it. I’m just excited for the opportunity to do something that’s recreational and professional at the same time and still get the competitive side out.”
U.S. Open of Football started with 132 teams and only eight remain, four pro teams and four amateurs.
Games will be played Saturday and Sunday.
The winning pro team and amateur team will face off in the Ultimate Final for $1 million on July 19 in Houston.
Vick contends that he still has most of his speed.
"T.O is running 4.4 at 44," Vick said. "I think I'm still in the 4.4 category, too. But, you know what, I'll take that back, I probably in the high 4.5s. T.O. trains a lot and he's the ultimate competitor. I can see him still running a 4.4. Somebody needs to give him a shot. Let's see what he can do."
In flag football, the opposing defends must complete a two-count before rushing, but are allowed five blitzes a game. Because of his speed, teams are wise not to blitz the speedy Vick in the 7-on-7 game.
“They can blitz if they want to,” Vick said. “But if they blitz, I’m going to take off. I mean, it’s just one thing when you’re taking off running, but it’s another thing when you are taking off running with your eyes down the field.”
Former New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith II is Vick’s favorite target.
“Steve is one of our main guys on offense and defense,” Vick said. “Steve understands and knows how to play the game of flag football.”
Vick also like’s Dustin Johnson, who played at Norfolk State.
“He understands the flag rules,” Vick said. “He can catch the ball. I’ve got guys who can move around. We’ve got a really good team. We are just going to put it all together. We are going to find a way to do it.”
Vick has his eyes on the $1 million prize.
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t think anyone can ever have enough money,” Vick said. “So, I mean, why not. Especially when it’s something that you’re doing that you love. It makes it that much more special and it burns the focus.
“The money is great. Whoever wins it, it’s going to be a great opportunity in their lives, whether if it’s the pros or the guys who’ve been playing flag football for a long time. I’m pretty sure they have to be excited about having the chance to play for $1 million.”
Vick, who turned 38 last week, also contends that he can still launch deep passes.
“I encourage them to come out and check the rocket out,” Vick said. “The rocket arm hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s still here. It’s still strong. It’s still accurate. It still can make some good throws. That will be the exciting part.”
